The future of material handling is all about efficiency. As fuel costs climb, sustainability standards tighten, and battery technology advances, one thing is clear — smarter, faster, and more cost-effective operations are redefining the industry. Already, 61% of forklifts sold in the U.S. are already electric. The result: cleaner, quieter, more efficient operations that save money and improve safety.
Golden State Lumber, a California-based leader serving builders and contractors since 1954, found itself at a crossroads. With fuel costs rising and environmental pressures mounting, the company needed a smarter, more efficient way to power its growing fleet — without sacrificing performance or uptime.
Golden State Lumber’s innovative indoor lumber yard model introduced unique challenges:
● Tight, vertical spaces demanded precision and quiet operation.
● High fuel costs and emissions from internal combustion forklifts threatened efficiency and air quality.
● Constant foot traffic required safer, quieter machinery.
● The company needed a scalable solution that wouldn’t disrupt its 20-year rhythm of operational excellence.
They needed a partner who could do more than sell forklifts — someone who could design an electrification roadmap tailored to their business, and provide a solution from start to finish.
Papé Material Handling served as the strategic partner and trusted advisor, collaborating with Golden State Lumber to develop and implement a comprehensive fleet electrification strategy tailored to their unique operational demands.
The plan optimized equipment performance, energy efficiency, and lifecycle cost savings — positioning Golden State Lumber for long-term productivity and sustainability.
Key solutions included:
● All-Electric Forklift Fleet: Eliminating fuel dependency and slashing maintenance costs.
● Customized Battery Solutions: Lithium Classic for warehouse operations and Lithium Frost for cold environments.
● Optimized Charging Infrastructure: Opportunity charging was built into shift workflows to maximize uptime.
● End-to-End Support: From on-site assessments to workforce training, incentive navigation, and long-term planning.
“We don’t just want to cut costs,” said Assistant Dispatcher Levi Culverhouse. “We want something that’s going to work best for us — and electric forklifts have been that solution.”
The transition to electric forklifts produced immediate, measurable benefits:
● Massive Cost Savings – Fuel eliminated; maintenance costs reduced by up to $12,000 per vehicle over its lifetime.
● Cleaner, Safer Workspaces – No emissions, less noise, and improved air quality for employees, leading to safer operations for the team.
● More Uptime – Reliable machines with fewer moving parts and overnight charging capability.
● Happier Teams – Improved comfort, reduced fatigue, and easier communication on the floor.
Golden State Lumber now operates a more efficient, cost-saving fleet designed to simplify daily operations, reduce maintenance demands, and deliver long-term reliability for their team.
“We don’t want to be a step behind — we want to be a step ahead,” Culverhouse stated.
Golden State Lumber trusts Papé Material Handling to keep their yards moving — every load, every shift, every day. Watch how the right equipment and partnership make all the difference.
"From my experience, I know that if anything is wrong or even just maintenance checks, Papé is right out here" - Levi Culverhouse
